UMKC SB: ‘Roos Roll in Seattle with Doubleheader Sweep
The UMKC softball team completed a doubleheader sweep of Seattle U on Friday in Seattle, winning 14-5 and 7-3, and have now won 12 of their last 14 games.
The Redhawks (15-29, 1-10 WAC) were first on the board in game one, hitting a two-run home run in the bottom of the first inning off sophomore pitcher Amber Grove (11-8).
The ‘Roos (20-19, 9-2 WAC) bounced back with a four-run, two-out rally, that got started with a bases-loaded two-RBI single from sophomore Ashlin O’Brien (2-for-2). Senior Katie Kelley stepped to the plate following O’Brien, and smashed a double down the left field like two tack on two more, making the score 4-2.
Seattle took one back in the bottom half of the inning with a one-out double to left center, but Grove and the ‘Roos minimized the damage and left two runners stranded to get out of the jam.
UMKC busted out for another four-run inning in the fourth, with an RBI single from freshman Bri Sims (2-for-3), and a three-RBI double from freshman Morgan Byrn (2-for-4). Byrn’s three runs driven in marks a career high.
Another three runs in the fifth for the ‘Roos all-but ended it, but the Redhawks fought back for two runs in the bottom of the fifth to make the score 11-5.
The ‘Roos tallied another three runs in the seventh to seal the deal, highlighted by a home run to left field from sophomore Kelsey Goodwin (2-for-2), and the ‘Roos went on to win game one 14-5.
UMKC took hold of the lead in the third inning of game two with a five-run surge and would never look back. Sims (1-for-1) was hit by a pitch with the bases loaded to drive in the first run, then Goodwin (1-for-3) doubled home two more. Sophomore Kendra Leach (1-for-3) also doubled to drive in two runs.
Seattle scored a run in the fourth and two in the fifth, but another two runs in the top of the seventh for UMKC would be too much to handle for the Redhawks. A run scored on an error and another RBI from Sims would be all it took, as Kelley (8-10) would go on to pitch the complete game in the 7-3 victory.
UMKC will look to sweep the series with a 2 p.m. CST first pitch on Saturday in Seattle.
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